The Centre intends to develop port and shipping infrastructures in all inhabited Lakshadweep Islands, and allow unhindered shipping services and safe passenger and cargo handling all around the year
Nearly a year after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Lakshadweep and the pictures created a new interest in the archipelago, the Centre is preparing to unveil eight big projects to enhance Lakshadweep’s connectivity for tourists and give the likes of Maldives virtually a run for their money.
CNN-NEWS18 has accessed a Union government document that lists out these projects — including capability for larger vessels to come to Kavaratti, Agatti and Minicoy islands, development of landside facilities including passenger facilitation centre with modern amenities at Kalpeni, Kadmath and Androth Islands, and development of open jetty that can handle even cruise vessels at the Kalpeni and Kadmath islands. Work will begin soon on the first project worth Rs 303 crore — the construction of jetties and landside at the Kadmath Island, for which tenders are invited on December 4.
The idea is to develop a multimodal jetty that can handle all the passenger vessels being operated in Lakshadweep islands, and hence improve the connectivity to the island ensuring the safety and comfort of the passengers, improve the connectivity and also the accessibility of tourists. The Centre intends to develop port and shipping infrastructures in all inhabited Lakshadweep Islands, and allow unhindered shipping services and safe passenger and cargo handling all around the year. This can prove to be a major game-changer.
Read More: Delhi Wakes Up To ‘Moderate’ Air Quality After Weeks, Sees Clear Sky As Pollution Reduces
The First Project
The first project involves construction of jetties, landside facilities and allied facilities at Eastern and Western sides in Kadmath Island, which is about 407 kilometres away from Kochi. Kadmath is the longest inhabited island of Aminidvi group, located in the centre of Lakshadweep islands. With an area of 3.34 sq km, Kadmath is 9.3km long and has width of 0.57 km.
“The proposed open eastern jetty at Kadmath is a multipurpose jetty that will cater to all the berthing requirements for passenger vessels as well as cruise vessels. The length of the jetty is 360m so that the cruise vessels can also be berthed,” the document says, pegging the project cost at Rs 303 crore.
A Passenger Waiting Hall will also be made with all modern facilities complying with world-class standards with separate transit area demarcated as arrival and departure terminal.
Read More: Ban On Liquor, Non-Veg Food Near Vaishno Devi Shrine
Other Big Projects in Pipeline
Development of landside facilities, including passenger facilitation centre with modern amenities on both eastern and western side, warehouse etc in Kalpeni, Kadmath and Androth
Expansion of existing eastern jetty in Kavaratti, Agatti and Minicoy islands for handling larger vessels
Development of open eastern jetty that can handle even Cruise vessels at Kalpeni and Kadmath
Development of western jetty in Kalpeni and Kadmath islands
Refurbishment and extension of Androth breakwater
Development of multimodal jetty and Navy jetty at Androth
Development of slipway and associated facilities at Kalpeni, Kadmath and Androth
These developments are mostly funded under Sagarmala Programme as Grant along with Union Territory of Lakshadweep’s internal funds. Cochin Port Authority is acting as the Project Management Consultant for providing technical support consultancy services while Assystem India Limited, Chennai, has prepared Detailed Project Report to study the requirements.
All About Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep an archipelago consisting of coral islands and reefs, is the smallest Union Territory of India. These beautiful and unpolluted Islands comprising of total land area of about 32 Sq. Kms, are surrounded by about 4,200 Sq.Km territorial sea area. Lakshadweep Island has 10 inhabited islands, 17 uninhabited islands, a good number of attached islets, four newly formed islets and five submerged reefs. They are scattered in the Arabian Sea at distance of 220 to 440 kilometres off the west coast of Kerala.
The islands are designated as restricted area and permit from the Union Territory of Lakshadweep Administration (UTLA) is required to visit the islands. People here mainly depend on water transport for movement between the islands and the mainland. Apart from passengers, all the cargo such as essential commodities, including medical supply, food supply, construction material, clothing, stationeries etc are brought from mainland — either Cochin, Beypore or Mangalore.
In addition to above, islanders depend on the mainland for specialist medical needs and higher education. Also, during the non-monsoon season, a huge number of tourists visit the islands mainly via ships. Further to the above, the export commodities such as coconuts, fish etc. are also transported to mainland using water transport. In short, shipping services is the lifeline for the people of Lakshadweep.
